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Commercial and Industrial projects are included if they consist of new or expanded floor area of at least 10,000 square feet. The text proposes to exempt existing unaffected building area from the requirements of the code, applying the requirements to the new square footage only. For renovation projects of either residential or commercial/industrial use, the proposed language relies on valuation, using a threshold value of 50% of the existing value as the point at which a renovation project would be required to incorporate the ordinance standards. This standard is chosen as it reflects statutory limitations on requirements applicable to legal nonconforming structures. The draft ordinance would require that projects receiving City financial assistance would be held to the standards in the new ordinance. Included in this section is a note that applicants may seek relief by applying for a variance. Since the Sustainable Building Ordinance is a component of the zoning ordinance, the terms of the zoning variance process would apply to this section. Third Party Rating System The next section establishes a requirement to seek building certification through a third-party evaluator and rating system. Certification levels for the most common rating systems are outlined in the ordinance, but equivalent substitute rating systems may be considered by the City as time goes on. Sustainable Standards Criteria The proposed ordinance sets a series of Sustainable Standards that would apply to the buildings identified in the building threshold section. These include a reduction in energy use, a reduction in water use, modifications to incorporate renewable energy sources, compliance with the City’s EV charging requirements, a plan for diversion of construction waste from landfills and incinerators, and improvements that will address stormwater runoff from the site. Compliance and Monitoring Finally, this draft suggests a protocol for Compliance and Monitoring whereas evaluation by the City would occur at time of permit application and the one- and two-year anniversaries of the Certificate of Occupancy. This is intended to measure the impacts of both building compliance and ordinance effectiveness. RECOMMENDATION/PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION Staff asks the Planning Commission to review the draft ordinance at the upcoming public hearing, and provide a recommendation to the City Council for its adoption. As noted, the PEC recommended this approach, with modifications to add clarity and ensure consistency with the City’s Climate Plan objectives. NEXT STEPS Subject to Planning Commission comment and recommendation, this ordinance would next be sent to City Council for three ordinance readings, which is standard practice based on the City Code. ATTACHMENTS Draft Ordinance 2026-XX Public Hearing Notice Public Comment